Blog – ZenAquaria

Fluval Stratum substrate with a java fern.

Have you ever tried growing plants in regular gravel? And by regular gravel I mean the colored rocks sold in most pet stores. Probably not the best idea for a betta tank... Truthfully, most gravels a...

Best Plants for Betta Fish (Almost Unkillable Plants)

Kevin

Betta Fish, Live Plants

For most betta fish enthusiasts, the best plants are the ones that don’t die the week after you get them. In this article, I’ve listed 5 plants that are practically un-killable. Not only that, but these ...

How to Get Rid of Algae in Fish Tanks

Kevin

Algae, Aquarium Lighting, Aquarium Shrimp

Let’s talk about algae, you know, the green or brown stuff that makes your pretty tank ugly. The positive side of algae is that its arrival means you have created livable conditions for an organism. Congrat...

Betta Fish Names (By Personality and Color)

Kevin

Betta Fish

What Will You Name Your Betta? Naming your new fish means that he or she is officially "part of the family" (yes, that makes us weird fish people). Naming a betta can be challenging, but choosing a n...

Freshwater Shrimp Tank Guide (4 Beginner Aquarium Shrimp)

Kevin

Algae, Aquarium Shrimp, Planted Tank

A group of cherry shrimp search for food in the substrate. A shrimp tank is something every aquarist should have. These little guys are awesome. Not only are they fun to watch, busily scurrying around in...

Fish Tank Lighting (What is PAR?)

Kevin

Aquarium Lighting, Aquascaping, Planted Tank

When aquarists get serious about growing plants, I mean really serious, like reefer serious, they will inevitably get into discussions about PAR. What is PAR? PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Rad...

Planted Nano Tank (Getting Started)

Kevin

Aquascaping, Live Plants

The Artful Ecosystem An expertly planted nano tank is a true work of art. Gazing at these mini fish tanks transports you into a miniature world where tiny fish and shrimp scurry about looking for algae a...

Close up male red Siamese fighting fish and bubble nest on the surface of the water.

Betta Fish Bubble Nest (How Betta Fish Breed)

Kevin

Betta Fish

At some point, your male betta fish will build a bubble nest. This is a good thing, it means your betta is comfortable in his tank and is ready for a mate. Why Do Betta Fish Make Bubble Nests? Bettas...

Nitrogen cycle explained, fish tank cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle (How Fish Tanks Cycle)

Kevin

Betta Fish, Fish Health

What is the Nitrogen Cycle? The nitrogen cycle is a natural waste management system performed by certain species of bacteria. In an aquarium, the nitrogen cycle is responsible for creating a safe and...

How Long Do Bettas Live (Increase Betta Fish Life Span)

Kevin

Betta Fish, Fish Health

How Long Does a Betta Live? As a kid, I remember coming home from the pet store with a stunning blue betta. My sister and I couldn’t stop looking at him. The betta was sold to us in a cup and we “upg...